Arians excelled as Indianapolis' interim coach this past season while first-year head coach Chuck Pagano missed time battling leukemia. He was integral in developing rookie first overall pick Andrew Luck as an immediate impact quarterback. The Colts went 11-5 and made the playoffs as an AFC wild-card team.

The Arizona Cardinals are set to sign Bruce Arians away from the Indianapolis Colts with an offer of four years. (AP Photo)

Arians was in Arizona interviewing for job earlier in the day. He beat out two other candidates who met with the Cardinals this week, Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

Before being hired, Arians addressed reporters in the afternoon about his potential plans to turn around the Cardinals' offense, the reason the team finished 5-11 in '12. He was eager to work with new general manager Steve Keim, and is confident that pair can find a bona fide passer.

"I've gone through this so many times at different places with quarterbacks," Arians said. "I think guys can improve. Guys can be coached to be better. There is a door number two somewhere. Steve and all the guys, they'll find door number two."

Arians also made clear his intentions of hiring an offensive coordinator under him, but that he would serve as the Cardinals' play-caller.

Although Arians has never been a full-time NFL coach, his best experience prior to '12 came as the Steelers' offensive coordinator from '07 to '11. His work with Ben Roethlisberger helped Pittsburgh beat Whisenhunt and Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII.

The Cardinals will now need to find a franchise quarterback for Arians. This past season, they struggled with Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer all taking starter's turns under center.